Surface Hardening for Low Carbon Steel (A3k) by Yag: Nd Pulse Laser Thermal Activation

Abstract

The paper is based on experiments for surface hardening on A3k (low carbon steel) samples using YAG:Nd pulse laser. A small x-y moving system conducted by PC was made for sample scanning, relative to fixed focused laser beam. Laser energy, frequency and defocused, influences were studied. The results of laser/sample surface interactions were investigated by macrostructure and microstructure analyses. Hardness testing was used for evaluating the changes in surface properties.